We run down last minute leaks and rumors as Apple prepares to unveil a next- …

As the clock ticks down to Apple's special media event today, a few last-minute rumors concerning the expected announcements have surfaced. In particular, the "iPad 3" may have more RAM, get LTE service from Verizon, and have a new $99 AppleCare+ option. We may also see Apple adopt a new haptic technology that enables the smooth glass surface of an iPad's screen to have variable virtual textures.

The iPad 3 is widely expected to feature a 2048 x 1536 pixel "Retina" display, an improved "A5X" dual-core ARM processor, and updated camera hardware in a slightly thicker, but largely similar design as the iPad 2. It has also been rumored that the iPad 3 will come in a version with 4G LTE wireless networking built in.

Based on debugging information for a presumed iPad 3 prototype, ChronicWire has calculated that the next-gen iPad will come equipped with 1GB of RAM. A developer recently told Ars that additional RAM would be required to handle graphics for the extremely high "Retina" resolution based on his tests using 2048 x 1536 pixel artwork, so this information makes a lot of sense to us.

While an LTE-equipped iPad 3 is also expected, it seems certain that wireless service will be available from Verizon on launch. A source for Cult of Mac said that Verizon has been installing LTE networking equipment in Apple Store retail locations across the country for the last few days. Recent information suggested that both Verizon and AT&T would offer LTE service, but the latest information seems to suggest that Verizon might be an exclusive LTE partner to start.

Also, Apple appears to be upgrading its $79 AppleCare extended warranty for the iPad to a $99 AppleCare+ plan, according to MacRumors' sources. AppleCare+, first offered for the iPhone last October, includes two years of extended regular warranty as well as two incidents of "accidental damage." For a $49 fee, an iPad damaged by dropping, dunking in the pool, or other means not typically covered under a warranty will be replaced with a refurbished unit. 9to5 Mac said that readers have reported that AppleCare+ has been showing up this week as an option in Apple's EasyPay app.

Most interesting, we think, is a rumor that Apple may include haptic "texture" technology in the iPad 3. Senseg, the developer of a technology that uses electric fields to selectively generate the sensation of texture on a touchscreen, may have inadvertently hinted that Apple will be using the technology in iOS devices. "We won't be making any statements until after Apple's announcement," a company spokesman told Pocket-lint after asking if the company would be involved in the iPad 3 launch. Haptic feedback could certainly elevate user interaction with an iPad or other iOS device, and would be something you "have to touch" to experience.

Be sure to keep an eye on our live coverage of Apple's announcements today at 10AM PST (GMT -0800).

Latest Rumors: it will come with an option for a sparkly back with a laser etched Steve Jobs sparkle image emblazoned on it and rainbows on the front bezel. A new cleaning cloth will remove Unicorn Pooh from the front screen should it ever be a problem. It will do Hi-Def LTE that will make movies play 4-6 times faster than an iPad2 which is a good thing considering the godawful crap HollyWierd is producing these days. On the green front the new device will magically swallow up to a metric shit-ton of CO2 per day and will sequester it in RAM. A new antenna in the unit is reportedly able to hail passing unicorns should you ever need to hitch a ride... and the unit is designed to completely eradicate people jumping off balconies at Chinese factories, details of how this might be possible are unknown but an official at the United Brother&Sisterhood of Apple FanBoi's; Local 329th confirmed it was true.

I wonder how much apple is paying sites like this to keep this insane hype going.

OMG, I know! Probably almost as much as the NFL pays media outlets to hype the Super Bowl. Could it be as much as Jeremy Lin pays sports media? Maybe not *that* much, but at least as much as Britney Spears pays People magazine. That's for sure.

(though, in all seriousness, your naïvité about how media works is really very charming -- please, never change)

I could never justify spending >$500 on an iPad when I have a high-end smartphone and MacBook Air, but a high-res display? Great. With haptic feedback beyond simply vibrating a motor when you press a key? Insanely awesome.

Haptic technology has been discussed for years and although proof-of-concept products have been shown off before, I am not aware of any type of product that has reached the mass consumer market that has employed this technology.

I think it would be great if Apple incorporated this technology into mobile devices and set the standard for how it should be done. In addition to other great advantages of this technology, accessibility tops the list. I'm not holding my breath but we have about 35 minutes before we find out.

I didn't think much of the iPad until I bought one for my wife. Now I'm contemplating offing her so I can have it all to myself. They really are handy...plus the battery life makes them very versatile.

So it's still a big just a big expensive Ipod? I've been pretty irritated to see how ipad hype has caused my employer to splash out on providing ipads to all us administrators in return for what is arguably zero increased productivity. I commend myself for saving the taxpayer money by declining to use a glorified media consumption device.

So it's still a big just a big expensive Ipod? I've been pretty irritated to see how ipad hype has caused my employer to splash out on providing ipads to all us administrators in return for what is arguably zero increased productivity. I commend myself for saving the taxpayer money by declining to use a glorified media consumption device.

What's your line of work? Clearly something that requires lots of creativity? *cough*

Have you even used a iPad? I held out until the iPad2 and now I cannot stop using the thing. I use it to access my Mac and my PC from anywhere... I use it as a work device, I do research on it for work, I consume media, email watch movies listen to music, I found my house with it. I plan trips communicate via, im, skype etc etc. I write proposals, preview work on it, I use it as a remote to control my AppleTV. It has become more useful than my phone and in some ways more useful than my workstations.

Now do not get me wrong it has its share of short comings but overall it has been a incredible device and I think it is worth all of the $600 dollars it cost me. And frankly anyone who has not used it should pretty much not have anything to say about it until then.

I have already saved up $700.00 for the 3 and will buy it when it comes out.

I would not call myself a apple or pc guy I use both in all manner of ways, but I will say that Apple has made a device that just works. It makes sense at many basic levels and it is easily accessible. You do not have to be a geek to use it. (for the record I guess I am a geek).

The beauty of the ipad is that it is so easy and painless. I go back to my netbook after using one and it so annoying having to update, attend to things, maintain it, and then investigate into why its going slow or not doing XYZ..